Richard Jerome Schwartz

After growing up in Tampa, he attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN, after which he earned a business degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1950. While at Penn he continued his military service, graduating from the Penn ROTC program as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Upon graduation he served a combat tour in Korea, where he was promoted to Captain. He continued his service as an Army reservist for many years after his active service in Korea. He began his accounting career in Tampa in 1952, and he practiced public accounting in Tampa until he retired in 1988. He operated successfully as a sole practitioner for nearly 30 years before taking on partners in anticipation of retirement. During this period he served as campaign treasurer for several local Tampa politicians, including two former Tampa Mayors and City Councilmen. His professional life was enriched by his community contributions. He was active for many years as an officer and Trustee of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Tampa. During his career he was president of Tampa’s Sertoma (Service To Mankind) Club, a Big Brother, a volunteer anti-drug abuse counselor, and an active member of professional accounting CPA societies. He greatly enjoyed travel and the outdoors. He sailed as a younger man at the Davis Island Yacht Club and traveled broadly during his retirement. He cherished the companionship of his beloved dogs, and experienced great comfort with them. In addition to his professional, community and leisure activities, he was an accomplished artists and played both the piano and organ beautifully. He lived in Indian Rocks Beach before moving to Athens where he continued to contribute to his community. He volunteered and trained others in service to make audio recordings of books for use by the blind, and assisted the local law enforcement services as well as the American Red Cross. He also volunteered many summers as a camp counselor to support and encourage children as they endured struggles battling cancer. He remained an enthusiastic bridge player, and dearly enjoyed the company of his bridge partners.

He is predeceased by his beloved mother Gertrude and father, Milton Schwartz. He is survived by his brother Harold (Marlene) of Bradenton, and his sons Ken (Gosia), Philip J. (Kim), Lawrence W. (Lisa), and daughter Jan. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held 2PM Tuesday, January 14th in the chapel at Bernstein Funeral Home.

The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional services of Remain at Home Senior Care and particularly Ms.. Cynthia, for providing exceptional comfort and care.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.